Members of the Northeast Ballet perform in the window at Paper Dolls during the 26th annual Victorian Streetwalk in Saratoga Springs Thursday night. (Ed Burke / for The Record)

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Song and merriment and chestnuts roasting highlighted the 26th annual Victorian Streetwalk. Whether clad in authentic 1800s clothing or bundled up in a parka and boots, the Streetwalk revelers enjoyed an evening out.

From 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, entertainment and events filled the shops along the sidestreets and Broadway, which was closed to traffic during the festivities. Toy store G. Willikers featured face painting and a Toys for Tots drive. At Circus Café, Tim Wechgelaer played Victorian fiddle. And all around the streets marched toy soldiers, elves and even Santa Claus.

The line to see Santa, who has a special cottage outside Putnam Market, was lengthy. Most of the children waited patiently, looking at reindeer and bouncing balloons. But misfortune had struck Abigail Rider, 5, who was waiting in line with her family.

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"I lost my balloon," she said, frowning. "I lost two balloons."

Her father assured her they would find her another.

Rider brightened as she thought of seeing Santa; she could ask him for a new balloon.

Tyler Smith, 12, stood just ahead of the Rider family. He had "Santa Rocks!" painted on his forehead.

"I want to ask Santa for a new bike," Smith said. "And tell him 'Merry Christmas.'"

The young man accomplished much holiday shopping at the Streetwalk and carried a bag full of gifts for his parents and siblings. He especially liked the gingerbread houses.

The gingerbread houses were not for eating, but folks who stopped at Dawgdom found cookies and punch. Dogs accompanying their owners could get a treat as well. Denise Secor of Colonie brought her pit bull, Emma, and store owner Sara Ellis found a treat for the dog.

"Sit, Emma! Good girl," Ellis crooned, giving the cookie to a wagging Emma.